15 Best Things to Do in Daphne (AL)

Nestled on the eastern shores of Mobile Bay, is the charming city of Daphne, Alabama.

Dating back to around 9000 BC, this area has been home to Native Americans, English, French, Spanish and American settlers.

Daphne is known by locals as ‘Jubilee City’. Jubilees are regular natural phenomenon’s where abundant shellfish appear on the shores of Mobile Bay, promising locals easy-to-catch crab, flounder and shrimp.

With incredible history, verdant lands, and great dining, there’s much to love about Daphne.

Visitors can drive along the coastline to Gulf State Park and Pensacola, hop across the bay to lively Mobile, or visit one of the top-named beaches in the world – Orange Beach.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Daphne:

1. Daphne Bayfront Park

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Daphne Bayfront Park

Located on Mobile Bay, beautiful Daphne Bayfront Park has much to offer.

With a long wooden boardwalk, great fishing and glorious sunsets, it’s easy to spend a day here.

You can wander along nature trails viewing birdlife, alligators, and even an historic cemetery.

There are picnic tables where you can sit, relax and take photographs, and a pavilion for hire if you are planning a celebration while visiting Alabama.

5. Take an Airboat Tour

You’ve seen the gators from the boardwalk and shoreline, now how about viewing wildlife from the water. When you take an Airboat Tour, it allows you to experience the Delta from a different perspective, on a fun ride the entire family will enjoy.

The Mobile-Tensaw Delta has a diverse eco-system, and a knowledgeable guide can point out alligators, birds, trees and natural resources so you don’t miss a thing.

Bring your sense of adventure and your camera and sit back as you speed along the water seeking hidden treasures.

6. Orange Beach

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Orange Beach

Less than an hours’ drive south of Daphne, you can reach one of the world’s most beautiful beaches – Orange Beach, Alabama.

Hugging the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, Orange Beach has a humid sub-tropical climate, powdery soft white sands, boardwalks and water sports.

You can see the entire town and out to sea from the 112 feet-tall Ferris Wheel located by The Wharf.

There’s also an abundance of bars, restaurants, shops and museums to explore within the city itself when you need to escape the midday sun.

While dining, you can sit on the deck overlooking Mobile Bay, admiring spectacular sunsets as you listen to live music.

So, if you enjoy your food with a spicy kick, and have been searching for a true taste of Alabama, this is the place to be.

13. Visit Mobile, Alabama

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Mobile, Alabama

Across the bay, lies the city of Mobile, one of the Gulf Coast’s most exciting cultural centres.

With an incredibly rich history, the city skyline offers a glimpse into days gone by with eclectic architecture, several art and science museums, forts, battleship memorial parks and picturesque city squares.

There’s plenty of places to enjoy dining and drinking, plus independent shops if you wish to indulge in some retail therapy.

City highlights include a visit to the Battleship USS Alabama, the Fort of Colonial Mobile, GulfQuest National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico and Bienville Square.

14. Meaher State Park

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Meaher State Park

Less than six miles from Daphne is Meaher State Park, a 1,327-acre park overlooking Mobile Bay wetlands district.

The state park was formed where several rivers meet, as the delta is a complex network of numerous bays, bayous, lakes and creeks.

A popular spot for fishing, the park appeals to anglers eager to hook their saltwater or freshwater ‘catch of the day’. It’s also a great place for hiking, nature walks and photography, with scenic spots to capture memories of your Alabama trip.

You may spot an alligator or two in Meaher State Park, and if you stay late, or decide to camp in the park, you can sit on the edge of the pier and watch the glorious sunset.

15. Day Trip to Pensacola, Florida

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Pensacola, Florida

The westernmost city of Florida, Pensacola is a bustling seaport.

Situated in a strategic position on the Florida Panhandle, Pensacola has been ruled by five governments from five different nations over the past few centuries and offers a rich history to explore.

City highlights not to be missed include Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum, Pensacola Bay cruise, visiting the Gulf Islands, exploring the National Naval Aviation Museum, and taking a stroll around well-preserved Fort Barrancas.

The trip to Pensacola takes around 50 minutes from Daphne, Alabama, so if you are touring the area and want to see two very different cities in two different states, it’s easy to do so.